As the final votes on the 2026 Finance Law conclude the debates in the National Assembly, the French real estate landscape takes on a new face. Between the birth of the Relance Logement (Housing Revival) scheme and the tightening of certain tax breaks, it is time for an assessment for French expatriate communities around the world. Should projects be accelerated or revised? Decoding the flagship measures.
The Relance Logement scheme: the new fiscal weapon
Faced with the crisis in housing supply, the government has struck hard with the Relance Logement scheme (sometimes called the Jeanbrun scheme). For investors, it is a paradigm shift:
– Amortization for all: Unlike previous schemes (such as Pinel), this new mechanism allows for the fiscal amortization of part of the purchase price (up to 5% per year) and its deduction from global income.
– Eligibility: It concerns new housing or old housing with works (representing at least 30% of the property value). A boon for renovating the housing stock while drastically reducing one’s tax burden.
LMNP Status: what changes and what remains
The Loueur en Meublé Non Professionnel (LMNP – Non-Professional Furnished Rental) status, highly popular among French people abroad, has been the subject of lively debate.
– The victory of retention: Despite fears, accounting amortization under the régime réel (actual expense regime) is maintained. This is the cornerstone that allows for receiving almost tax-net rental income over the long term.
– The downside of capital gains: Be careful, the reform initiated in 2025 is expected to become established: upon resale, the deducted amortizations are now reintegrated into the calculation of real estate capital gains. The investment strategy must now be considered long-term, favoring the creation of sustainable wealth rather than a simple short-term speculative operation.
Focus Non-Residents: European harmonization
For expatriates, the 2026 Finance Law brings a crucial clarification on the qualification of Loueur en Meublé Professionnel (LMP – Professional Furnished Rental). Subject to its final adoption, the administration should now take into account your worldwide income to determine if you switch to LMP status. If your income is high, you will more easily remain under the protective LMNP status for your French properties.
Energy renovation: The DPE no longer forgives
The law confirms the timeline for restricting the rental of thermal “sieve” properties (those with poor energy performance ratings). In 2026, “intelligent” investment necessarily involves energy performance.
Acheterpourlouer’s advice: Do not view works as a cost, but as the main fiscal lever for 2026. Between the boosted property income deficit (déficit foncier) and the sharp discount on the purchase prices of energy-intensive housing, renovating has become the best way to secure high real estate profitability.
In summary: 3 key points for your 2026 strategy
Relance Logement – An opportunity for immediate tax reduction on global income.
LMNP Capital Gain – Need to keep properties longer to offset the tax impact. Consideration of worldwide income to determine the switch to LMP (subject to final adoption).
Social Levies – Relative stability for non-residents outside the EU (global rate maintained at 17.2% for real estate).
The 2026 Finance Law does not close doors, it shifts them. For expatriates worldwide, French real estate remains a safe haven, provided they prioritize the quality of the building and optimize the new amortization levers.
Do you want to know how these measures directly impact your project?
The Acheterpourlouer team is at your disposal for a personalized study of your fiscal and patrimonial situation from Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Montreal, and New York.
About Acheterpourlouer
Acheterpourlouer supports expatriates in their real estate investment projects in France from abroad. Through a global approach that includes property search, financing, and rental management, Acheterpourlouer’s experts simplify the investment process for clients living abroad.
–
This article is written by an FACC-NY member. The views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of the French-American Chamber of Commerce – New York (FACC-NY).
–
